Carriage-step



(No Model.)

J. PENDERGAST.

CARRIAGE STEP.

Patented Sept. 2, 1884.

Erica.

ATENT JAMES PENDERGAST, OF NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT.

CARRIAGE-STEP.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 304,555, datedSeptember 2, 1884.

Application filed May 5,1884. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, JAMES PENDERGAST, of NewHaven, in the county of New Haven and State of Connecticut, haveinvented a new Improvement in Carriage-Steps; and .I do hereby declarethe following, when taken in connection with accompanying drawings andthe letters of reference marked thereon, to be a full, clear, and exactdescription of the same, and which said drawings constitute part of thisspecification, and represent, in

Figure 1, a perspective view of a coachstep; Fig. 2, a perspective viewof the tread removed; Fig. 3, a vertical section through the frame andtread enlarged; Figs. 4 and 5, perspective views of other classes ofsteps embodying the same invention.

This invention relates to an improvement in the construction ofcarriage-steps, with special reference to that class of steps commonlycalled gridiron-stepsthat is, steps in which the tread consists of barsand open spaces, but applicable to other classes of steps. This class ofsteps is very expensive, owing to the difficulty in forging the tread ofthe step, as each bar must be forged separately and welded to thesurrounding frame. Agaimin the manufacture of steps, which is in itselfa special branch of manufacture, they can only be made to order, asdifferent manufacturers require different treads. In some cases simplyparal: lel bars running transversely of the step would be required, inothers like bars running 1ongitudinally, or others may require bars ofcurved or irregular shape, or some special ornamentationas monograms-tobe applied. The steps are forged with means for attachment.

The object of my invention is to construct the step so that the treadmay be detached therefrom and others substituted for it, whereby theframe and support for the steps may be kept in stock as well as avariety of treads; or special treads may be made for existingframes-that is, so that the treads inay be i11- terchangeable withoutdisturbing the shank or support of the step; and the invention consistsin constructing the step in the form of a frame, and from which theattaching device extends with a tread portion removable there-v from,and as more fully hereinafter described.

In illustrating the invention I show it as applied to a square step,andsuch as commonly called coach-stepsthat is,"a step to be applied tothe body of the carriage below the door.

Arepresents the step-frame, which in extent and shape corresponds to thegeneral outline desired for the step. From this frame the attachingdevice extends. In Fig. 1 this is represented as an arm, 13, runningupward from each side, as by a cross-piece, O, to a clip, D, by which itis secured to the body. This frame is forged in the usual manner ofmaking such forgings. The tread E is constructed of ashape correspondingto the interior of the frame A, and with a flange or ledge, a,projecting outward around. its upper side, and so that the tread maybeintroduced into the frame, as seen in Fig. 3, and rest upon the frame,so as to be supported thereby, and it may be secured by a screw, as atb, through the frame into the tread or otherwise. The tread is forged ormade of any desired pattern,in Figs. 1, 2, and

v3, represented as parallel bars or of the gridiron pattern. Thusconstructed, the tread may be cast from malleable iron, inasmuch asthere is no connection of the supporting devices with that tread, or itmade be forged in the usual manner for forging this class of treads.

By making the tread portion detachable and supported on the surroundingframe, as described, I am enabled to construct the frames and theattaching devices without regard to the particular pattern of the tread,and then supply treads for such frames, as may be desired. Intricatepatterns may be producedin malleable iron or other suitable metal verymuch cheaper than can be produced by forging, and thus highly ornamentalsteps may be produced at a small cost. The treads being detachable,treads upon a carriage already made may be changed to suit the taste orrequirements of purchasers. The frames being made to a standard size andtreads accordingly, the dealer can substitute one tread for another ashis customer may desire.

Instead of making the tread open or of the gridiron-pattern, any of theknown or desirable patterns may be employed.

' In Figs. 4 and 5 I show perspective views of other classes of stepswith the same frame A, and the removable or interchangeable tread E.

XVhile I prefer to construct the tread with the overlapping flange a,this may be omitted and the tread depend upon the screws 6, or otherattaching devices to support it in the frame.

I am aware that shanks for carriage-steps have been constructed with thestep removable therefrom; but I am not aware that a carriage-step framehas been formed upon the shank constructed to inclose 0r embrace thestep set therein.

I claim- '1. The herein-described carriage-step, consisting of the frameA, constructed to surround the tread, andwit-h a shank for connectingthe

